Whale-watching in Tenerife? Who would have thunk it?
When you envisage whale-watching, the likes of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and even Iceland and Sri Lanka spring to mind.Β
When in fact, the southern coast of Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to witness these majestic giants in their natural habitat.
Alongside hiking, beach hopping (including natural pools), and surfing, heading out on a whale-watching tour is one of the best things to do in Tenerife. And not only can you spot whales, but youβll also get a glimpse at a host of marine life, from pods of dolphins to sea turtles and rays.Β
You’ll find more whale-watching tours in Tenerife too, in comparison to its Spanish neighbors like Fuerteventura, making it a prime whale-watching spot with plenty of options.Β
However, it is crucial that you keep in mind to responsibly observe these animals with their welfare and environment in consideration. Additionally, do ensure that your chosen tour company adheres to such standards.
Since these are wild animals, remember that sightings are not 100% guaranteed, but in Tenerife, youβll be happy to know that thereβs a whopping 99% chance!
So read on to find out all there is to know about whale-watching in Tenerife: why you should add whale-watching to your Tenerife itinerary, where to base yourself to be in easy reach of this activity, and which tours you should have on your radar!
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About TenerifeΒ
Often deemed the crown jewel of the Canary Islands, Tenerife sits just off the coast of northwest Africa. As the largest island of the Spanish archipelago, Tenerife hosts both lush and volcanic mountainscapes, rich culture, extraordinary beaches, and consistent balmy weather, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe all year round.Β
For Tenerife inspiration, check out my 5 days in Tenerife, and for all you need to know about this varied island, donβt skip Living in Tenerife.Β
Unsurprisingly, a sheer number of activities await here: surfing is probably the number one thing to do on the island, followed by hiking amid dramatic cliffs and national parks and flitting from golden-colored alcoves to wide stretches of black volcanic sand.
But if you ask me, the one activity you should not miss is whale watching in Tenerife. These majestic creatures swim everywhere around the island – so leave your rental villa for the day, join a boat trip, and witness these gentle giants up close!
Read More on TenerifeΒ
- Tenerife itinerary: How to spend 5 incredible days in Tenerife
- 20 best villas in Tenerife you need to rent on your next holiday
- 9 Best Hikes in Tenerife
- The Best Nudist Beaches in Tenerife Β
- Natural Pools in Tenerife You Need to VisitΒ
Why should you go dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife?Β
It’s easy to spot whales and dolphins throughout the year in Tenerife. The Canary Islands are home to a large diversity of marine species, including aquatic mammals: out of the 80 known cetacean species, about 20 have been observed in the archipelago!
Thanks to the temperate climate, warm waters, and a protected seabed against the Atlanticβs currents, the islands attract an array of thrilling marine mammals, all of which you can observe in their natural environment.Β
Itβs safe to say you wonβt be disappointed on a whale-watching trip in Tenerife, with a 99% chance of spotting Short-finned Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins!
Which whales and dolphins can you spot in Tenerife?
Many of the whales and dolphin species that call Tenerife waters home are residents, making them easy to glimpse. Meanwhile, others arrive in the Canary Islands on a seasonal basis, meaning you can spot them only at specific times of the year.
Among the types of whales you can see on a whale-watching tour in Tenerife are the Long-Finned Pilot, the Cachalot (also known as the Sperm whale), the Tropical Rorqual whale, and the Bryde’s whales.Β
Pilot whales live in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera all year long, so it’s the most common species of cetaceans that you can observe in the area.Β
Keep in mind that the waters around Tenerife are rarely crossed by Orcas (also called Killer whales) and Blue whales.Β
While doing a Tenerife whale-watching boat tour, you’ll also encounter pods of dolphins. The most common species to see is the Bottlenose dolphin, considered a resident species in Tenerife.Β
Rarer is to spot other species, such as the Atlantic spotted dolphins and the Risso dolphins, around Tenerife only occasionally during spring.Β
Another seasonal dolphin that crosses the waters around Tenerife as its migratory path is the Common dolphin; highly energetic and playfully social in its stride!
When to go whale watching in TenerifeΒ
Generally speaking, you can go whale watching all year round in Tenerife; however, depending on the period and month, you will spot specific species of whales. The only specimen you will always catch sight of in Tenerife is the Pilot whale, the resident species.
The best time to go whale watching in Tenerife is undoubtedly from November to February, when you will spot a range of migratory species, such as Humpback whales, Fin whales, and, if you get lucky, Blue whales!
Sperm whales travel between La Gomera and Tenerife in March and April, while Cachalot whales are most easily encountered from May to June.Β
Regarding Orcas, their presence near the coast of Tenerife is actually pretty rare. If spotted, it is usually during springtime, but it can be sporadic!
Responsible whale watching in Tenerife
Whale and dolphin-watching tours are very popular in Tenerife, so you’ll find many boat tours that offer the excursion.Β
Whale watching is a highly-regulated activity, and boat captains must follow specific courses to be able to conduct a tour.
As a consequence, conductors will gain a blue flag which guarantees the commitment to offer a touristic service respecting the mammals and minimizing the impact that the tour could have on the marine environment.
So before booking a whale-watching tour in Tenerife, make sure that you’re choosing one with an accredited Blue Flag.
Whale watching harbors in TenerifeΒ
Whatever period you’ve decided to go whale-watching in Tenerife, you need to know that the tours start from two different harbors: Los Gigantes (Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes) and Costa Adeje (Puerto ColΓ³n).Β
These destinations are located in different areas along Tenerife’s southern coast, but whichever you choose only depends on the tour you decide to join.
Countless companies offer dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife. To help make your decision, base it on your budget, if you prefer being on a private boat or a catamaran, and for how long you wish to sail.Β
Typically, whale-watching tours in Tenerife are offered both in the morning and in the afternoon, and one hour during each tour is dedicated to looking out for and watching whales and dolphins.Β
Most days, the animals are easy to find, and within the first 30 minutes of the tour, you’ll be able to spot them!Β
But sometimes it can take longer: although it might be frustrating, don’t worry, your captain will travel further away to widen your chances of witnessing whales and dolphins.
As I was saying earlier, there are a plethora of tour options you can join. For your convenience, I’ve selected the best whale-watching tours in Tenerife.
Whale watching Los Gigantes
Maritima Cantilados Tour – This is the tour I took on my last trip to Tenerife. Maritima Cantilados Tour offers four different boats for a whale safari, one of which is a sailboat. I decided to take Maritima Cantilados’ 3-hour sailing excursion on the Lady Elsie.Β
In my opinion, sailboats are much better suited for viewing dolphins and whales because they are considerably quieter and will not scare the animals away. Along with the whale-watching opportunity, you also benefit from a relaxing cruise where you can unwind and enjoy the sunshine.Β
Click here to book a Maritima Cantilados whale-watching tour!
On the other hand, motorboats are quick and compact, which gives them the benefit of approaching wildlife more quickly and up close. Meaning you will see more wildlife on a motorboat excursion.
With that being said, I enjoyed Lady Elsie! There was also plenty of space for everyone on the boat, both in the shade and the sun. Our tour began at 11 a.m. on a Monday, and there was just one other couple on the excursion with us.Β
I was at first dubious about Maritima Cantilados Tourβs β100% observation” promise, but I must admit it is a genuine guarantee. We observed pilot whales and an exciting herd of Atlantic and bottle-nosed dolphins who swam alongside our boat as soon as we entered the open sea.Β
Whales and dolphins dwell off the coast of Los Gigantes, and all the tour operators work together to report the precise location of dolphins and/or whales on the same radio channel.Β
During the last hour of the trip, we had a quick break for swimming near the cliffs in the bay, close to the entrance of the well-known village of Masca.
Check out my 5 days in Tenerife to read more about my visit to the breathtaking La Masca Village!
After that, we just relaxed in the sun with soft drinks in hand. The crew, who were genuinely lovely, were also very experienced and knowledgeable. The only downside was no snorkeling during the trip, so if that is an important element for you, I have selected a few better trips below.Β
Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat – Offered by Third Element S.L., this is a 3-hour long sailing tour off Tenerife’s southwest coast. While on a beautiful sailing boat, spot pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural habitat with a stunning backdrop of the Los Gigantes cliffs.Β
Before returning to the Los Gigantes harbor, swim or snorkel in a small yet idyllic cove carved out of Tenerifeβs coastline. The snorkeling equipment is included in the price and available at the hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations. This tour cost starts from β¬70.Β
Snorkel and whale-watch on this Tenerife tour by sail boat!
Los Gigantes: Whales and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch – After leaving the port of Los Gigantes, the captain and the crew will drive you around the waters of south Tenerife in search of Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins.Β
Surrounded by views of the imposing Teide Volcano, the ever-green island of La Gomera, and the 600-meter-high cliffs of the Giants, this scenic whale-watching tour will also give you time to swim and snorkel with colorful marine life.Β
Marvel at the coves of Los Gigantes up close on this whale-watching tour in Tenerife!
The tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants, and a delicious lunch onboard is included in the price. The 3-hour long excursion starts from β¬65.
Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas – Weave in and out of tranquil bays and natural coves around Los Gigantes while on the lookout for dolphins and whales.Β
The sailing boat SangrΓa is the vessel of choice during the excursion, which will also take you snorkeling in crystal clear waters amid sea life like sea turtles, octopi, and manta rays.
Enjoy a delectable selection of tapas and drinks included in the price, which starts from β¬65, as well as snorkeling gear and hotel pick up and drop off.Β
Whale watching Costa Adeje
Tenerife: Dolphin and Whale Eco-Cruise with Snack & Drinks – Priding itself on its ecological initiatives, this tour involves a catamaran equipped with fuel-efficient technology designed to reduce its carbon footprint during a dolphin and whale-watching experience.
Take your pick between a 3-hour or 5-hour excursion, with food, drinks, and swimming time available on both, but the extended 5-hour option includes an extra visit to Los Gigantes and Masca Bay.
Enhance your experience with the onboard crew’s knowledgeable commentary and underwater sound equipment as you set sail in search of dolphin and whale-watching hotspots within the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary.
Marvel at spectacular vistas from the boat as you pass coastal gems like Playa de las AmΓ©ricas and Playa de Los Cristianos on the way, and even spy Mount Teideβs peak on a clear day.
Check the availability for this dolphin and whale-watching eco-cruise!
Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Tour with Food and Drinks – Freebird Catamarans hosts this 3-hour cruise around south Tenerife onboard a deluxe catamaran.Β
During the tour, the expert guide will teach you everything about whale and dolphin behavior, migration patterns, and customs. Knowing how these animals behave will make their spotting even more exciting!Β
For an additional fee, you can take advantage of the sun loungers at the front of the catamaran to relax and sunbathe while sailing.Β
The tour offers a pickup option from selected hotels in southern Tenerife, and the price starts from β¬35.
From Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch – If you are looking for a longer tour, this tour by Tenerife Dolphin is a great option.Β
Explore Tenerife’s west coast during a 4-and-a-half-hour cruise and experience the underwater world through 16 panoramic submarine windows.Β
With the assistance of the boat crew, you will look out for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat inside the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary.
Click here to book a Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary!
With this excursion, you will travel along the southern coast of Tenerife to reach the spectacular Acantilado de Los Gigantes and the Bay of Masca, where the boat will be stopped to allow you to enjoy a swim in the waters of the bay.Β
A courtesy lunch (with vegetarian options) and drinks are included in the tour’s price, starting from 58β¬.Β
Kayaking with dolphinsΒ
Besides whales, Tenerife is famous for close encounters with dolphins. While on a whale-watching tour, you will also spot pods of playful dolphins flitting across the seas.Β
But if you want something extra special, try kayaking with dolphins instead to get up close and personal with these incredible animals without causing them any harm.
In fact, kayaking has a low environmental impact with zero noise and carbon pollution, making it a less invasive type of transport to spot dolphins, all the while giving you the best chance of seeing them only a few meters away!Β
Check the availability for kayaking with dolphins in Tenerife!
Just be mindful that you cannot swim with these animals – it’s prohibited by Spanish law since it can harm their health.
So jump on a kayak and marvel at their beauty from an incredible vantage point for a unique experience while in Tenerife!
Where to stay for Whale Watching in Tenerife
I believe the best complement to a Tenerife itinerary is a stay in a villa. This way, youβll get the most out of your holiday, being immersed in the pristine nature and authenticity of the region.Β
Make note that it is recommended to rent a car if staying in a Tenerife villa: not only will it be easier to get around, but youβll have more flexibility in your Tenerife itinerary. And not to mention, the routes to Tenerife villas more often look like this:Β
I cover a variety of villas in my blog post on the 20 best villas in Tenerife that could make a Tenerife holiday extra special. To make your search easier, Iβve narrowed it down below to where to stay for whale watching in Tenerife.Β
Since the main harbors for whale watching are in Costa Adeje (Puerto ColΓ³n) and Los Gigantes (Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes), my villa recommendations lie within these two areas, which would be especially beneficial if whale-watching is the focus of your Tenerife trip.
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Villa White Whale β Located in Adeje, Villa White Whale finds itself closest to Puerto ColΓ³n harbor, being around 15 minutes away by car.
However, the Los Gigantes marina isnβt much further, at a half-hour drive in total. Here, bask in privacy and peace with a private pool and intimate garden at your fingertips!Β
Villa8 β In Puerto de Santiago, the Los Gigantes harbor is less than a 10-minute drive away or reachable by foot in under half an hour. When youβre not whale watching in Tenerife, head to the quaint garden area at Villa8 to soak up some sun.Β
Villa ParaΓso βΒ Here, an intimate oasis awaits, with a laguna-style pool, direct ocean vistas, and a manicured garden. Situated in Santa Γrsula, Villa ParaΓso also puts you in easy reach of Puerto ColΓ³n harbor – about a 14-minute drive to be specific.Β
Finca Stemann – Nestled in the quiet Canarian village of GuΓa de Isora, this charming property offers sweeping vistas across the Atlantic to La Gomera and La Palma from the comfort of contemporary-style villas fitted with a private pool and patio.Β
Finca Stemann is a great βin-betweenβ option since it takes around 20 minutes to reach both harbors by car.Β
Casa Jable Azul – Situated in Adeje, it takes under 10 minutes by car to get to Puerto ColΓ³n from Casa Jable Azul, or if youβre feeling active, a half-hour walk. Alternatively, rent one of the villaβs free bicycles, and youβll be there in 7!
Spend relaxing mornings and afternoons here by the year-round outdoor pool and end your evenings with a delicious barbecue in the garden.Β
Read my thorough guide on the 20 best villas in Tenerife for more tips and information on Tenerife accommodations.
Dolphin and whale-watching in Tenerife is a rewarding activity that shouldnβt be overlooked when on the island. Available year-round and both in the mornings and afternoons, there are no excuses for you to miss out!Β
Have you got any questions about whale-watching in Tenerife or any tours youβd like to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Looking for more Spain travel tips? Check out these guides!
- Your Fuerteventura holidays: places you canβt miss!
- Madrid 2 days: the ultimate itinerary!
- Postcards from Menorca
- The best of Benidorm
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